Parabéns!
neutral, Portugal
In Portugal people most often say Parabéns! on a birthday. Feliz aniversário! is also correct, and Muitos parabéns! is warmer.
Meaning: birthday greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Parabéns! | neutral, Portugal |
| Feliz aniversário! | neutral |
| Muitos parabéns! | warm |
Parabéns literally means "congratulations", so it also works for a graduation or a new job. Add pelo teu aniversário if you want to be explicit.
When do people say it?
At a Portuguese birthday party people sing Parabéns a você while the cake is brought in.
Did you know?
- The same word Parabéns is used to congratulate someone on a graduation, a wedding or a new baby.
Examples in context
- Parabéns, Joana!Happy birthday, Joana!
- Feliz aniversário, avô!Happy birthday, Grandpa!
- Muitos parabéns pelo teu dia!Many happy returns on your day!
Example conversation
The family sings for Tomás at his birthday lunch in Leiria, with his Mãe (mother) and his Avó (grandmother).
- MãeParabéns, Tomás!Happy birthday, Tomás!
- TomásObrigado, mãe.Thanks, Mom.
- AvóMuitos parabéns, meu querido.Many happy returns, my dear.
